Though they held off on staffing questions, Rockford library board members did reach some key decisions. Effective January 1st, they're increasing late return fines from 10 to 15 cents a day for books and 50 cents to a dollar for DVD's. This issue is separate from the union's idea of imposing small fees for DVD rentals.

"I'm not comfortable with that, because there's a lot of individuals that have lost their jobs and are struggling now," says Library Board President John Brien. "When it comes to the fines, I understand that because they're late. Get them back on time, they can avoid it."

The board approved another union idea: offering early retirement. Brien says there are 28 eligible early retirees right now. They have 45 days to sign up and receive their sick time accumulation payout, plus five thousand dollars a year for three years to pay for insurance.

Brien hopes retirements could offset layoffs, which he says already may be fewer than expected. Initially administrators proposed cutting 24 union workers and 6 non-union. Union spokesman Jay Ferraro tells us there are now 14 union employees on the chopping block.

"I think they are shifting, but again it's a big number," says Ferraro.

The number of non-union cuts could increase.

Meanwhile library hours are shortening at two branches. Starting November 15th, Sunday hours at the East branch are dropping to 1:00 to 5:00. Plus the Rock River branch will only be open from 12:00 to 8:00 Tuesday through Thursday, 10:00 to 6:00 Friday and Saturday.

Those changes are aimed at balancing staff shortages at those branches, but the board is considering cutting out weekday morning hours at all libraries, leaving programs like story time in question and patrons concerned.

"Libraries are places where knowledge lives," says one patron Pat Harker.

The board also decided that they must take a final vote on cuts at their November 16th meeting. If they cannot reach a negotiated agreement with the union by then, they can enforce the administration's original proposal that included 30 layoffs. But both sides say talks have been productive.

Union leaders are still hoping to regain an 800-thousand dollar pension subsidy from the city. They presented petitions with more than 2,000 signatures at city council Monday night. Getting the subsidy back would relieve a large chunk of the library's $1.7 million deficit. But board members are assuming the subsidy is a lost cause.